Get your kicks along The 606

Last year, an abandoned train track on the Northwest Side was transformed into a 2.7-mile elevated path called The 606. Instead of impressive vistas of the downtown skyline from Chicago's Lakefront Trail, the trail cuts through the middle of three unique neighborhoods, allowing you to explore how the majority of Chicago residents actually live.

Biking is the easiest way to take in the scene. Restaurant options start off slow, build up quickly and then taper off again at the other end. But there's more to eat and drink than any normal person could possibly handle. Along with the 10-foot-wide trail, a number of pocket parks line The 606, making for great places to stop and picnic.

Like the Lakefront Trail, The 606 can get extremely busy during pleasant afternoons, slowing traffic down to a crawl. Fortunately, this makes it easier to take stock and appreciate the surroundings.

Starting on the westernmost point of the trail, here are some highlights worth a stop.

North Ridgeway Avenue

• Xocoatl Churros: Since every churro is fried to order, each long, crispy tube is hot and crunchy, with none of the soggy greasiness of inferior versions. You can get them simply sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar, or stuffed with vanilla, strawberry, chocolate or cream cheese. 3755 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-772-9525, www.churrofactory.com

• Weegee's Lounge: This is one of those exceedingly rare bars slinging expertly crafted classic cocktails in a laid-back setting without pretense. With low lighting and a vintage shuffleboard, it's a great place to rest after a long walk on the trail. 3659 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-384-0707, www.weegeeslounge.com

The 606, a 2.7-mile-long park on abandoned train tracks, opened June 6, 2015. The 14-foot-wide multiuse trail along the narrow Bloomingdale Avenue runs through four neighborhoods — Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square and Humboldt Park.

Kimball Avenue

• Ground Control: It's not as famous as Chicago Diner, but this vegetarian and vegan spot serves a wide assortment of meat-free options, including a beet burger and Nashville hot tofu. 3315 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-772-9446, www.groundcontrolchicago.com

Kedzie Avenue

• Cemitas Puebla: Stop by for one of Chicago's very best sandwiches. The cemita starts with a sesame-crusted roll layered with avocado, Oaxacan cheese, chipotle sauce and a meat of your choosing. This shop also serves top-notch tacos and ceviche. 3129 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-486-8080, www.cemitaspuebla.com

• La Bomba: Speaking of quality sandwiches, my pick for the best jibarito in the city is the one served at this Puerto Rican shop. Featuring thin and crispy fried plantains in place of bread, this sandwich loads on the griddled meat, cheese and mayonnaise. Sounds like a mess, and it kind of is, but it's a uniquely delicious one, with a prominent sweet note from the plantains. 3221 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-394-0106, www.labombaplace.com

• Scofflaw: This gin-focused cocktail bar is justly known for the quality of its mixed drinks. The front bar is always bustling and packed, while the back room offers a quiet respite full of plush chairs and couches. 3201 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-252-9700, www.scofflawchicago.com

• Sink | Swim: This acclaimed seafood-centric restaurant is from the same owners as Scofflaw. Slurp oysters among the nautical-themed decor and definitely get an order of the excellent fish and chips. As you can imagine, the cocktails are also worthy. 3213 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-486-7465, www.sinkswimchicago.com

Humboldt Boulevard

• Parson's: When the weather is nice, it's hard to beat the enormous, sun-drenched patio at this perpetually packed spot. Order freshly fried chicken or fish, an ice-cold Negroni slushy, and then try your hand at a game of pingpong. A dozen oysters aren't a bad idea, either. 2952 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-384-3333, www.parsonschickenandfish.com/drinks

North California Avenue

• Donut Delight: This newly opened shop right by the trail offers a range of doughnuts, making it a particular hit with kids (or at least mine). Part of that has to do with the extremely friendly owners. Plus, you know, doughnuts. I'm partial to the buttermilk glazed doughnuts, though the old fashioned are worth trying. 1750 N. California Ave.; 773-227-2105

• Dos Urban Cantina: Chef Brian Enyart serves some of the most inventive Mexican food in town at this stylish spot. Drop by the boisterous bar for a quick bite and a cocktail, while the main room is a serene spot for a long meal. 2829 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-661-6452, www.dosurbancantina.com

• Osteria Langhe: To explore the cuisine of the northern Italian region of Piedmont, all you need to do is cross the street. Both the handmade pastas and luscious risottos are highlights, while the wines are moderately priced. Though always crowded, it never feels too cramped. 2824 W. Armitage Ave.; 773-661-1582, www.osterialanghe.com

• Table, Donkey and Stick: This German gem offers hearty favorites, including a fantastic, freshly made pretzel. The front room is tightly packed, but the back patio is a beautiful, secluded retreat. 2728 W Armitage Ave.; 773-486-8525, www.tabledonkeystick.com

• Small Cheval: The inside is cramped and loud, so hope for a mild day and head to the back patio, where you can feast on gloriously griddled burgers and thick shakes in relative peace. 1732 N. Milwaukee Ave.; www.smallcheval.com

• Irazu: After you pick out a bottle of wine, walk across the street to this BYOB-friendly restaurant. Featuring an affordable assortment of Costa Rican classics, along with a surprisingly large vegetarian menu, it's no wonder this restaurant has been a Bucktown staple for years. 1865 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-252-5687, www.irazuchicago.com

Damen Avenue

• HotChocolate: Whether you go for one of the decadent desserts or something from the underrated savory menu, you're in for a treat. 1747 N. Damen Ave.; 773-489-1747, www.hotchocolatechicago.com

• En Hakkore: This cute shop provides picture-perfect Korean-influenced dishes, including the most colorful and vibrant-looking bowl of bibimbap around. Also good are the wildly untraditional tacos served on Indian paratha bread. 1840 N. Damen Ave.; 773-772-9880